Leadership

Mark and Jen moved to Swanage in early 2012 to pick up the leadership of Emmanuel, with a real expectation that God is doing something very special across the town and in this area of Dorset.

Having become a Christian in his early teens, Mark clearly sensed the call of God on his life for full-time ministry. That call initially had the emphasis to work with young people, both voluntarily and then through British Youth for Christ for 12 years. During this time, he became a YFC Centre Director in Sutton Coldfield and was significantly involved in leading youth teams at Spring Harvest for a number of years, and played the drums in Christian ministry band. The Lord then led him into Church leadership and being trained as a Baptist Minister whilst leading his first church. The family then moved to Bedford for a fruitful 11 years before sensing the call to Swanage.

They have 2 grown up children and 3 grandchildren, and are now fostering 2 boys. Mark – amongst his many other responsibilities – is occasionally still seen behind the drum-kit, attempting aspects of DIY, and doing Lego Technic!

You can contact Mark, the Minister and team leader of Emmanuel via the Church Office

Richard took on the position of Youth Minister at Emmanuel in September 2014, having previously served churches in Sherborne and Fressingfield upon graduating from Moorlands College.

Richard is married to Laura and together they have three children Livvy, Max & Alfred who keep them happy, busy and entertained.

Passionate about live music, the outdoors and communicating the good news about Jesus, Richard wants to see young people in and around Swanage have the opportunity to encounter Jesus and encourage those who follow Him to respond to Him in their everyday lives.

Richard works closely with the other churches in the town through The Wave Youth & Children's Ministry, a trust set up with the aim of providing excellent Christian youth work for 0-18 year-olds, a task we are still striving towards.

Caroline Powell grew up with an Anglican background but truely made an adult commitment to Christ in 1980. She began to visit EBC when coming to see family in Swanage and was baptised here in 1982. After nursing in London for 25 years she returned full time to Swanage in 2005 to care for her parents. Her great joy is to demonstrate God's amazing love for people and help them grow as His children

You can contact Caroline, the Catering Team leader at Emmanuel via the Church Office

Alison has been a member of Emmanuel for thirty years. A music teacher by training, she enjoys leading worship and plays piano or flute in the worship band. She has been known to preach, on occasion, and loves the challenge of understanding and applying God's word to daily life.

Alison lives in Swanage with her husband, Ian, one of her three grown up children and three cats.

For relaxation, she enjoys playing and listening to music and has just taken up the cello. She always has a book to hand and particularly enjoys crime fiction. Alison would like to say she loves exercise and hates chocolate but, unfortunately, it is the other way around.

Janet met David while at Teacher Training College and went on to teach PE at a secondary school. After a break to have a family she returned to teaching at a Hospital School and supported children with long term illness in their homes. As a minister’s wife she has enjoyed being involved in church life especially in the children’s work. At EBC alongside David she leads the World Mission Team and a Life Group. She has recently taken on the role of Minutes Secretary to the Leader's and the Church meetings.

You can contact Janet via the Church Office

Adam has been happily married for 30 years and has four grown up children. Adam is married to Jo and they moved to Langton Matravers in 2015 when they started attending EBC. He is now self employed working as a teacher and gardener. His heart is to see others' experience of God deepen and broaden. He loves to use his musical abilities to support the worship team both at EBC and the wider work of the churches together in Swanage.

David is married to Janet and they have three grown up children and four grandchildren. After having a house in Swanage for many years they retired some four years ago as a permanent move and became members at EBC.

David initially trained as a teacher and taught in London for fifteen years. Then after receiving a call into full time Christian ministry he trained first at Moorlands then at Spurgeon’s. He went on to pastor a church in Bexley Kent for thirteen years before becoming a Hospice Chaplain serving for some twelve years while also pastoring a village chapel. He is just delighted to serve the Lord in whatever capacity he is called but spends a lot of time caring for the church buildings which he describes as being “an interesting challenge”.

You can contact David via the Church Office

Jo's early experiences of orthopaedic nursing, matron-ing in a boarding school and later supporting Stuart in the retail motor trade, have convinced her of the power and value of teamwork. She has enjoyed being a part of several different ministry teams since joining EBC in 1984, including serving on the leadership.

Her heart is to see the church growing through folk in our neighbourhood coming into a personal relationship with Jesus.

Her leisure interests include reading, gardening and "doing-up" furniture and she has a life-long love of horses! She and Stuart have four grown up children, five grandchildren and one great-grandson.